PSYC 340(F) Ideologies, Values, Worldviews
The September 11th attacks, the war on terror, and the polarization of the electorate have stimulated a resurgence of interest in the psychological bases and functions of ideologies. In this course we will examine conservative, liberal, reactionary, and progressive ideologies from a social psychological perspective. How do ordinary people become political extremists? Why do people sometimes vote against their own material self-interest? How do ideologies bias our interpretations of events and how do psychological biases influence the appeal of competing ideologies? Why do some social problems attract a great deal of attention while other, arguably more important problems are ignored? How do implicit ideologies influence everyday judgment? We will draw on theoretical perspectives and methodologies from social psychology, sociology, and political science to address these and many other relevant questions.
Format: seminar. Requirements: brief reaction papers and a final integrative paper.
Prerequisites: Psychology 201 and 242 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 19). Preference given to Psychology majors.
Hour: EIBACH